Silver Nanocoating of LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 Cathode Material for Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Surface coating has become an effective approach to improve the electrochemical performance of Ni-rich cathode materials. In this study, we investigated the nature of an Ag coating layer and its effect on electrochemical properties of the LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811) cathode material, which was synthesized using 3 mol.% of silver nanoparticles by a facile, cost-effective, scalable and convenient method. We conducted structural analyses using X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, which revealed that the Ag nanoparticle coating did not affect the layered structure of NCM811. The Ag-coated sample had less cation mixing compared to the pristine NMC811, which could be attributed to the surface protection of Ag coating from air contamination. The Ag-coated NCM811 exhibited better kinetics than the pristine one, which is attributed to the higher electronic conductivity and better layered structure provided by the Ag nanoparticle coating. The Ag-coated NCM811 delivered a discharge capacity of 185 mAh·g-1 at the first cycle and 120 mAh·g-1 at the 100th cycle, respectively, which is better than the pristine NMC811.

Effect of Cationic (Na+) and Anionic (F-) Co-Doping on the Structural and Electrochemical Properties of LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 Cathode Material for Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Elemental doping for substituting lithium or oxygen sites has become a simple and effective technique to improve the electrochemical performance of layered cathode materials. Compared with single-element doping, this work presents an unprecedented contribution to the study of the effect of Na+/F- co-doping on the structure and electrochemical performance of LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2. The co-doped Li1-zNazNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2-zFz (z = 0.025) and pristine LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 materials were synthesized via the sol-gel method using EDTA as a chelating agent. Structural analyses, carried out by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, revealed that the Na+ and F- dopants were successfully incorporated into the Li and O sites, respectively. The co-doping resulted in larger Li-slab spacing, a lower degree of cation mixing, and the stabilization of the surface structure, which substantially enhanced the cycling stability and rate capability of the cathode material. The Na/F co-doped LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 electrode delivered an initial specific capacity of 142 mAh g-1 at a 1C rate (178 mAh g-1 at 0.1C), and it maintained 50% of its initial capacity after 1000 charge-discharge cycles at a 1C rate.

Comparative efficacy of bio-selenium nanoparticles and sodium selenite on morpho-physiochemical attributes under normal and salt stress conditions, besides selenium detoxification pathways in Brassica napus L.

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have attracted considerable attention globally due to their significant potential for alleviating abiotic stresses in plants. Accordingly, further research has been conducted to develop nanoparticles using chemical ways. However, our knowledge about the potential benefit or phytotoxicity of bioSeNPs in rapeseed is still unclear. Herein, we investigated the effect of bioSeNPs on growth and physiochemical attributes, and selenium detoxification pathways compared to sodium selenite (Se (IV)) during the early seedling stage under normal and salt stress conditions. Our findings showed that the range between optimal and toxic levels of bioSeNPs was wider than Se (IV), which increased the plant's ability to reduce salinity-induced oxidative stress. BioSeNPs improved the phenotypic characteristics of rapeseed seedlings without the sign of toxicity, markedly elevated germination, growth, photosynthetic efficiency and osmolyte accumulation versus Se (IV) under normal and salt stress conditions. In addition to modulation of Na+ and K+ uptake, bioSeNPs minimized the ROS level and MDA content by activating the antioxidant enzymes engaged in ROS detoxification by regulating these enzyme-related genes expression patterns. Importantly, the main effect of bioSeNPs and Se (IV) on plant growth appeared to be correlated with the change in the expression levels of Se-related genes. Our qRT-PCR results revealed that the genes involved in Se detoxification in root tissue were upregulated upon Se (IV) treated seedlings compared to NPs, indicating that bioSeNPs have a slightly toxic effect under higher concentrations. Furthermore, bioSeNPs might improve lateral root production by increasing the expression level of LBD16. Taken together, transamination and selenation were more functional methods of Se detoxification and proposed different degradation pathways that synthesized malformed or deformed selenoproteins, which provided essential mechanisms to increase Se tolerance at higher concentrations in rapeseed seedlings. Current findings could add more knowledge regarding the mechanisms underlying bioSeNPs induced plant growth.

Outcomes of Combined Liposuction/Laser Skin Tightening versus Open Suction-Assisted Brachioplasty in Moderate Arm Ptosis.

BACKGROUND: Only a few studies have directly compared outcomes of different arm contouring techniques across matched cohorts of patients. In this study, the authors present preliminary data comparing outcomes of conventional open suction-assisted brachioplasty (using the Pascal and Le Louarn procedure) versus combined liposuction/laser skin tightening in (grade 2b arm ptosis per El Khatib classification). METHODS: Thirty patients (60 arms) (28 women, two men) with moderate brachial ptosis (severe upper arm adiposity and a moderate degree of skin laxity) (grade 2b arm ptosis per El Khatib classification) were included. Objective and subjective measures were used in the assessment of results. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in objective measurements (arm circumference reduction ratio and percentage of ptosis elimination) between the groups. Patient satisfaction scores were higher with liposuction/laser skin tightening and found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). Patients in this latter cohort reported less pain and earlier return to work (mean less than a week) (p < 0.05). Four patients complained of residual ptosis in each group. CONCLUSIONS: Liposuction/laser skin tightening is a safe and effective alternative to open suction-assisted brachioplasty (using the Pascal and Le Louarn technique) in patients with severe arm adiposity and moderate brachial ptosis (grade 2b arm ptosis as described by El Khatib classification). Proper patient selection remains critical for the success of this treatment strategy and requires precise clinical analysis as described. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, II.

Selenium and zinc oxide nanoparticles modulate the molecular and morpho-physiological processes during seed germination of Brassica napus under salt stress.

The advent of the nanotechnology era offers a unique opportunity for sustainable agriculture, and the contribution of nanoparticles (NPs) to ameliorate abiotic stresses became the new area of interest for researchers due to their special physiochemical characteristics in the biological system. Salinity is a key devastating abiotic factor that hinders the development and yield of rapeseed. On the flip side, the impact of nanoparticles on plant hormones upon salt stress during seed imbibition and germination has been poorly understood. Hence, we aimed to study the influence of nanopriming on plant hormones and germination processes using selenium and zinc oxide nanoparticles (SeNPs and ZnONPs) during seed imbibition and the early seedling stage upon salinity stress. Nanopriming showed a positive effect on final germination percentage, germination rate, seed microstructure, and antioxidant enzyme activity of two rapeseed cultivars under salt stress. Moreover, nano-treatment decreased the expression of abscisic acid related genes BnCYP707A1, 3, and 4 during the priming time and after sowing, where the levels of BnCYP707A1, and 3 genes showed a slightly significant difference between the nanopriming and hydropriming, which gave an evidence that the nanopriming influenced the ABA levels then elevated the seed germination with SeNPs and ZnONPs. Likewise, nanoparticles significantly elevated the expression levels of BnGA20ox, BnGA3ox and BnCPS genes during the germination stage, especially at 24 h after being sown in salt stress. That confirms the positive role of SeNPs and ZnONPs in regulating gibberellic acid level, which increases the germination in primed seeds as compared to unprimed seeds and hydroprimed seeds. Additionally, our results demonstrated that nanopriming regulated the expression level of BnCAM and BnPER during priming time and after sowing, along with the various levels of expression remarkably in BnEXP4 and BnRAB28, especially at 24 h of being sown under salt stress, which promoted seed germination and early seedling growth. Overall, this work provides new insights into mechanisms underlying the interactions of SeNPs and ZnONPs with plant hormones during the seed imbibition and early seedling stage, consequently enhanced plant growth and development. Additionally, these findings portrayed that the application of SeNPs and ZnONPs could be a new strategy and useful approach to enhance tolerance against salinity in rapeseed plants.

Putrescine Depletion Affects Arabidopsis Root Meristem Size by Modulating Auxin and Cytokinin Signaling and ROS Accumulation.

Polyamines (PAs) dramatically affect root architecture and development, mainly by unknown mechanisms; however, accumulating evidence points to hormone signaling and reactive oxygen species (ROS) as candidate mechanisms. To test this hypothesis, PA levels were modified by progressively reducing ADC1/2 activity and Put levels, and then changes in root meristematic zone (MZ) size, ROS, and auxin and cytokinin (CK) signaling were investigated. Decreasing putrescine resulted in an interesting inverted-U-trend in primary root growth and a similar trend in MZ size, and differential changes in putrescine (Put), spermidine (Spd), and combined spermine (Spm) plus thermospermine (Tspm) levels. At low Put concentrations, ROS accumulation increased coincidently with decreasing MZ size, and treatment with ROS scavenger KI partially rescued this phenotype. Analysis of double AtrbohD/F loss-of-function mutants indicated that NADPH oxidases were not involved in H2O2 accumulation and that elevated ROS levels were due to changes in PA back-conversion, terminal catabolism, PA ROS scavenging, or another pathway. Decreasing Put resulted in a non-linear trend in auxin signaling, whereas CK signaling decreased, re-balancing auxin and CK signaling. Different levels of Put modulated the expression of PIN1 and PIN2 auxin transporters, indicating changes to auxin distribution. These data strongly suggest that PAs modulate MZ size through both hormone signaling and ROS accumulation in Arabidopsis.

Facelift Part II: Surgical Techniques and Complications.

Although previous publications have reviewed face and necklift anatomy and technique from different perspectives, seldom were the most relevant anatomical details and widely practiced techniques comprehensively summarized in a single work. As a result, the beginner is left with a plethora of varied publications that require sorting, rearrangement, and critical reading. A recent survey of US plastic surgery residents and program directors disclosed less facility with facelift surgery compared with aesthetic surgery of the breast and trunk. To this end, 4 of the widely practiced facelift techniques (ie, minimal access cranial suspension-lift, lateral-SMASectomy, extended-SMAS, and composite rhytidectomy) are described in an easy review format. The highlights of each are formatted followed by a summary of complications. Finally, the merits and limitations of these individual techniques are thoroughly compared and discussed.

Nanostructured Molybdenum-Oxide Anodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries: An Outstanding Increase in Capacity.

This work aimed at synthesizing MoO3 and MoO2 by a facile and cost-effective method using extract of orange peel as a biological chelating and reducing agent for ammonium molybdate. Calcination of the precursor in air at 450 °C yielded the stochiometric MoO3 phase, while calcination in vacuum produced the reduced form MoO2 as evidenced by X-ray powder diffraction, Raman scattering spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy images showed different morphologies and sizes of MoOx particles. MoO3 formed platelet particles that were larger than those observed for MoO2. MoO3 showed stable thermal behavior until approximately 800 °C, whereas MoO2 showed weight gain at approximately 400 °C due to the fact of re-oxidation and oxygen uptake and, hence, conversion to stoichiometric MoO3. Electrochemically, traditional performance was observed for MoO3, which exhibited a high initial capacity with steady and continuous capacity fading upon cycling. On the contrary, MoO2 showed completely different electrochemical behavior with less initial capacity but an outstanding increase in capacity upon cycling, which reached 1600 mAh g-1 after 800 cycles. This outstanding electrochemical performance of MoO2 may be attributed to its higher surface area and better electrical conductivity as observed in surface area and impedance investigations.

A Sequential Algorithm Combining ADAPT and Liver Stiffness Can Stage Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease in Hospital-Based and Primary Care Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease is common, with fibrosis the major determinant of adverse outcomes. Population-based screening tools with high diagnostic accuracy for the staging of fibrosis are lacking. METHODS: Three independent cohorts, 2 with both liver biopsy and liver stiffness measurements (LSMs, n = 254 and 65) and a population sample (n = 713), were studied. The performance of a recently developed noninvasive algorithm (ADAPT [age, diabetes, PRO-C3 and platelets panel]) as well as aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index, fibrosis-4, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score, and LSM was used to stage patients for significant (≥F2) and advanced (≥F3) fibrosis. RESULTS: In the hospital-based cohorts, the N-terminal propeptide of type 3 collagen (Pro-C3) increased with fibrosis stage (P < 0.0001) and independently associated with advanced fibrosis (odds ratio = 1.091, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.053-1.113, P = 0.0001). ADAPT showed areas under the receiver operating characteristics curve of 0.831 (95% CI: 0.779-0.875) in the derivation and 0.879 (95% CI: 0.774-0.946) in the validation cohort for advanced fibrosis. This was superior to the existing fibrosis scores, aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index, fibrosis-4, BARD (BMI, aspartate aminotransferase to alanine aminotransferase ratio [AAR], diabetes), and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score in most comparisons and comparable with LSM. Serial use of ADAPT and LSM had diagnostic accuracy of 92.5%, with 98% and 100% negative predictive value in the derivation and validation cohorts, respectively. In the population cohort, PRO-C3 associated with advanced fibrosis (P = 0.04), while ADAPT had a negative predictive value of 98% for excluding advanced fibrosis. DISCUSSION: PRO-C3 and ADAPT reliably exclude advanced fibrosis in low-risk populations. The serial combination of ADAPT with LSM has high diagnostic accuracy with a low requirement for liver biopsy. The proposed algorithm would help stratify those who need biopsies and narrow down those patients who would need to be referred to specialty clinics.

Synthesis of High Surface Area α-KyMnO2 Nanoneedles Using Extract of Broccoli as Bioactive Reducing Agent and Application in Lithium Battery.

With the aim to reduce the entire cost of lithium-ion batteries and to diminish the environmental impact, the extract of broccoli is used as a strong benign reducing agent for potassium permanganate to synthesize α-KyMnO2 cathode material with pure nanostructured phase. Material purity is confirmed by X-ray powder diffraction and thermogravimetric analyses. Images of transmission electron microscopy show samples with a spider-net shape consisting of very fine interconnected nanoneedles. The nanostructure is characterized by crystallite of 4.4 nm in diameter and large surface area of 160.7 m2 g-1. The material delivers an initial capacity of 211 mAh g-1 with high Coulombic efficiency of 99% and 82% capacity retention after 100 cycles. Thus, α-KyMnO2 synthesized via a green process exhibits very promising electrochemical performance in terms of initial capacity, cycling stability and rate capability.

Facelift Part I: History, Anatomy, and Clinical Assessment.

In this article, the authors aim to thoroughly describe the critical surgical anatomy of the facial layers, the retaining ligamentous attachments of the face, and the complex three-dimensional course of the pertinent nerves. This is supplemented with clarifying anatomic dissections and artwork figures whenever possible to enable easy, sound, and safe navigation during surgery. The historic milestones that led the evolution of cervicofacial rejuvenation to the art we know today are summarized at the beginning, and the pearls of the relevant facial analysis that permit accurate clinical judgment and hence individualized treatment strategies are highlighted at the end. The facelift operation remains the cornerstone of face and neck rejuvenation. Despite the emergence of numerous less invasive modalities, surgery continues to be the most powerful and more durable technique to modify facial appearance. All other procedures designed to ameliorate facial aging are either built around or serve as adjuncts to this formidable craft.

Amorphous Mo5O14-Type/Carbon Nanocomposite with Enhanced Electrochemical Capability for Lithium-Ion Batteries.

An amorphous MomO3m-1/carbon nanocomposite (m ≈ 5) is fabricated from a citrate-gel precursor heated at moderate temperature (500 °C) in inert (argon) atmosphere. The as-prepared Mo5O14-type/C material is compared to α-MoO3 synthesized from the same precursor in air. The morphology and microstructure of the as-prepared samples are characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman scattering (RS) spectroscopy. Thermal gravimetry and elemental analysis indicate the presence of 25.8 ± 0.2% of carbon in the composite. The SEM images show that Mo5O14 is immersed inside a honeycomb-like carbon matrix providing high surface area. The RS spectrum of Mo5O14/C demonstrates an oxygen deficiency in the molybdenum oxide and the presence of a partially graphitized carbon. Outstanding improvement in electrochemical performance is obtained for the Mo5O14 encapsulated by carbon in comparison with the carbon-free MoO3.

Silver/quartz nanocomposite as an adsorbent for removal of mercury (II) ions from aqueous solutions.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and silver/quartz nanocomposite (Ag/Q)NPs)) were synthesized by sol-gel method using table sugar as chelating agent. The synthesized nanosized materials were used for mercury ions adsorption from aqueous solutions. The materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron microscope (TEM), and surface area (BET). Adsorption of Hg2+ (10 mg/l) is strongly dependent on time, initial metal concentration, dose of adsorbent and pH value. Silver/quartz nanocomposite ((Ag/Q)NPs)) shows better efficiency than individual silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). This composite removed mercury ions from the aqueous solution with efficiency of 96% at 60 min with 0.5g adsorbent dosage at pH 6. The adsorption process explained well by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. In conclusion silver/quartz nanocomposite (Ag/Q)NPs)) shows higher removal efficiency for mercury ions from aqueous solutions than individual silver naoparticles (AgNPs) or quartz (Q).

Doped Nanoscale NMC333 as Cathode Materials for Li-Ion Batteries.

A series of Li(Ni1/3Mn1/3Co1/3)1-xMxO2 (M = Al, Mg, Zn, and Fe, x = 0.06) was prepared via sol-gel method assisted by ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid as a chelating agent. A typical hexagonal α-NaFeO2 structure (R-3m space group) was observed for parent and doped samples as revealed by X-ray diffraction patterns. For all samples, hexagonally shaped nanoparticles were observed by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The local structure was characterized by infrared, Raman, and Mössbauer spectroscopy and 7Li nuclear magnetic resonance (Li-NMR). Cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge-discharge tests showed that Mg and Al doping improved the electrochemical performance of LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 in terms of specific capacities and cyclability. In addition, while Al doping increases the initial capacity, Mg doping is the best choice as it improves cyclability for reasons discussed in this work.

Facile one step synthesis method of spinel LiMn2O4 cathode material for lithium batteries.

This study succeeded to prepare three pure phases of Mn2O3, Mn3O4 beside one of the best cathode materials, spinel LiMn2O4. LiMn2O4 with high phase purity and crystallinity was synthesized by a facile, cost effective and one step synthesis method. The structure and morphology of the powders were studied in detail by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and surface area. The X-ray diffraction shows that the post-annealing process reveals the formation of pure crystalline spinel LiMn2O4 with small particle size and lower lattice strain. The thermogravimetric analysis threw the light on the role of the evaporation technique in producing LiMn2O4 by following the different phases on the thermal performance of the precursor. The morphological characterization shows the clear appearance of the octahedral particles of LiMn2O4 calcined at high temperature with microporous nanosized structure. Electrochemical testing of the as prepared spinel at 900 °C showed promising results in terms of high initial capacity and good cycle stability. The as prepared spinel sample shows also good rate performance.

Face Transplantation for Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis (Wegener Granulomatosis): Technical Considerations, Immunological Aspects, and 3-Year Posttransplant Outcome.

BACKGROUND: We report new data for a rare face transplant performed 3 years ago. Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) (Wegener) is a severe autoimmune necrotizing vasculitis and parenchymal inflammatory disease that can affect any organ including those of the craniofacial region. Skin involvement manifests as malignant pyoderma. This account (1) highlights the technical details of face transplantation for this unique indication, (2) reports the 3-year posttransplant outcome, and (3) describes relevant immunological aspects. METHODS: A Le Fort III near-total face and near-total scalp transplant was performed after extensive trauma and subsequent bone and soft tissue infection in a patient with GPA. Incisions were planned along facial aesthetic subunits. The vascular pedicle comprised the facial and superficial temporal arteries bilaterally. The functioning left eye was preserved and fitted into the donor tissues. RESULTS: The procedure took 21 hours, and transfusion was limited to 4 units of packed red cells. Early medical and surgical complications were successfully treated. At 3 years, acceptable aesthetic outcome was achieved with adequate color match and scalp hair growth. The patient has recovered light touch, temperature, and 2-point discrimination and has evidence of symmetric cheek elevation albeit with limited eyelid and frontalis function. GPA relapse did not occur. Four acute rejections were fully reversed. CONCLUSIONS: This case represents a new underlying disease (trauma + GPA) leading to face transplantation and a unique clinical scenario where allografting was indicated for potentially life-threatening and sight-preserving reasons and not for mere functional and aesthetic concerns. Despite complexity, 3-year clinical outcome is encouraging, and the patient is no longer at risk for dural exposure, meningitis, and related morbidity.

ADAPT: An Algorithm Incorporating PRO-C3 Accurately Identifies Patients With NAFLD and Advanced Fibrosis.

Given the high global prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the need for relevant noninvasive biomarkers and algorithms to accurately stage disease severity is a critical unmet medical need. Identifying those with advanced fibrosis (≥ F3) is the most crucial, as these individuals have the greatest risk of adverse, long-term, liver-related outcomes. We aimed to investigate the role of PRO-C3 (a marker of type III collagen formation) as a biomarker for advanced fibrosis in NAFLD. We measured PRO-C3 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in two large independent cohorts with extensive clinical phenotyping and liver biopsy: 150 in the derivation and 281 in the validation cohort. A PRO-C3-based fibrosis algorithm that included age, presence of diabetes, PRO-C3, and platelet count (ADAPT) was developed. PRO-C3 increased with fibrosis stage (Rho 0.50; P < 0.0001) and was independently associated with advanced fibrosis (odds ratio = 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02-1.08; P = 0.003). ADAPT showed areas under the receiver operating characteristics curve of 0.86 (95% CI 0.79-0.91) in the derivation and 0.87 in the validation cohort (95% CI 0.83-0.91) for advanced fibrosis. This was superior to the existing fibrosis scores, aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI), FIB-4, and NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS) in most comparisons. Conclusion: PRO-C3 is an independent predictor of fibrosis stage in NAFLD. A PRO-C3-based score (ADAPT) accurately identifies patients with NAFLD and advanced fibrosis and is superior to APRI, FIB-4, and NFS.

Variations in the origins and absence of the common digital arteries of the hand: a cadaveric study.

We studied anomalies of the common digital arteries by dissecting 33 fresh cadaver hands under magnification. In the majority of the dissected hands (25 hands), common digital arteries took off from the superficial palmar arch and ran superficial and parallel to the flexor tendons. Variations were found in eight out of 33 hands. In four hands the common digital artery to the second web space was replaced by an atypical vessel, originating from the deep palmar arch, that crossed posterior to the index flexor tendons proximal to the A1 pulley. In eight hands, the common digital artery to the fourth web space was replaced by an atypical deeper vessel, originating from the superficial palmar arch and crossing posterior to the little finger flexors. No nerve anomalies were identified. Unrecognized, these atypical arteries to the second and/or fourth web spaces could lead to vascular complications during surgery, especially pollicization.